2 April 2025

Principal’s Report

Yours in education,

Peter Davey
Principal

New Students

A special welcome is extended to Alexsis (3C) who joined the Kurwongbah School community recently.  We hope you enjoy your time at Kurwongbah and we look forward to parent support with P&C and class activities.

Student of the Week

TERM 1 WEEK 8

TERM 1 WEEK 9

Outstanding Students for Term 1

Each term, teachers nominate an Outstanding Student from their class.  The nominee is a student who independently models our school values reflecting pride in themselves, pride in our school and displays care and concern for those around them.

There will be a special morning tea for all nominees this Friday.

We would like to acknowledge all nominated Outstanding Students for Term 1:

Term 1 2025 Outstanding Students

Date Claimers

Due Dates for Payments

NAPLAN 2025

Congratulations to our Year 3 and Year 5 students who completed NAPLAN Online over the last week. The students felt they were well prepared, took their time and did their best with the tests. Well done students and teachers! Results from the NAPLAN will be distributed to parents when they are available, this is expected to occur in late Term 2.

School Holidays

A reminder that the last day of Term 1 is Friday 4^th April. We wish all our students and families a safe and enjoyable holiday. School will resume on Tuesday 22^nd April.

School Watch

We are asking our community to report any suspicious activity in our school grounds during the holidays to the School Watch Team on 13 17 88. We take pride in our school facilities and trust you will work with us to prevent any damage occurring during the vacation period. We need to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in Queensland schools.

New School Electronic Sign

A huge thanks to our P&C for your generous support in purchasing a new electronic sign on Eacham Street. It is certainly a huge leap in technology with the sign able to display high resolution images and video as well as allowing us to update the sign for our school community even when offsite. The sign was purchased using left over funds from the last school fete plus additional funds from the P&C.

ANZAC Day Ribbons and Badge Sales

Our Student Leaders will be selling ANZAC Poppies ($1) and Badges ($3) near our ANZAC Garden adjacent to the school office before school each morning until Thursday 24^th April (while stock lasts).

Our whole school ANZAC Parade will be led by our School Leaders on Thursday 24^th April from 8.55am. A special guest from the Bray Park Strathpine RSL will also be in attendance at the ceremony.

2026 Prep Enrolments

We are now taking names of Prep students for 2026. Children who were born between 1^st July 2020 and 30^th June 2021 are eligible to commence Prep in 2026. Parents are invited to contact the school office (Ph: 3481 4333) if they are intending to enrol their child at Kurwongbah for Prep in 2026. Enrolment forms can then be completed and student interview times booked.  Please contact the school for further information.

School Photos

School photos for 2025 have been rescheduled for the 4^th and 5^th June. This was the earliest date that was available. More information regarding school photos will be provided closer to our reschedule dates.

Parent Teacher Interviews Years 1 – 6

Parent teacher interviews will be offered to all parents with children in Years 1 – 6 during Week 2 of Term 2 commencing Monday 28^th April. Online booking information will be emailed out this week to families to book a time with your child’s Class Teacher.

P&C Tuckshop Easter Raffle

Tickets sold by the P&C Tuckshop to support stock loss from Cyclone Alfred.

Tickets will be available from the Tuckshop and on QKR! Raffle closes 3.00pm on Thursday 3^rd April and will be drawn during Parade on Friday 4^th April.

Tickets costs 1 x $3.00 or 2 x $5.00.

Prize consist of a Evakool 46 litre esky and Easter hamper which was proudly donated by the YMCA.

Purchasers must be 18 years and older and able to collect the prize from Kurwongbah State School on Friday 4^th April by 3:30pm.

Foyer Display – 1A & 1B

Thank you 1A & 1B for showcasing their Maths work in our foyer display in the Administration building.

Parade Presentations 2025

Whole school Parades are held each Friday morning from 8.55am in our school hall. Parents are most welcome to attend. During the year each class or year level will present a Parade Presentation.

Below are the 2025 Parade Presentations:

Bell Times

Parents are reminded of the bell times.  If you are planning to collect your child during the break times, please ensure you contact the office to advise, so we can have your child waiting at the office.  We can’t otherwise guarantee to locate your child until they transition back to their classroom.

Student Safety

The safety of students and staff is very important. Members of the school community are asked to observe the following:

• Students are required to have their Kurwongbah school hats at school EVERY day and students must wear hats during both play breaks regardless of where they are playing
• Students who bring scooters to school must secure them in the bike area. Scooters are NOT to be stored in class areas
• Parents and carers are also asked to use the school crossings (Eacham Street and Eucumbene Drive) when bringing their children to and from school. This teaches our children the correct road safety rules. Thank you for your support with these safety precautions
• Parents and carers are permitted to photograph their own child at school events and activities but are requested to refrain from taking photos of other children or posting school material online (including Facebook)

Absences

State schools are required to notify parents on the same day any student is absent from school without explanation.  Rolls are marked at 8:50am and 2:10pm each day. An SMS message will be sent to any parent of a student with an unexplained absence by 11am.  Students who are not in their class at 8:50am will be marked absent and MUST collect a late slip from the office. Parents collecting their children early must sign them from the office before collecting from the classroom.

Absence Notification Process

Please remember to contact the school early in the morning if your child is going to be away or late for school so your child’s absence can be recorded correctly. The preferred method of reporting an absence is via the SMS number 0429 919 560. Otherwise, you can contact the school absence line on 3481 4366 or the main school admin line on 3481 4333.

Please be sure you indicate the following when reporting the absence:

• Name of child (especially if there is more than one child in your family)
• Absence reason – Please indicate if your child is sick or at an appointment etc. Indicating that your child is not coming to school, does not give a true reason for the absence
• Late Arrival – If your child will be late due to an appointment, please indicate an approximate time of arrival
• Dates of absences, if longer than 1 day

Contact Details

It is important that the school have the correct contact details.  This is especially important in emergency situations or if your child presents as unwell during the school day. If you have changed your mobile phone number, address or email address, complete the attached form and forward to the office.  Please be also aware if you have a change in emergency contacts. If parents are registered through QParents they are able to update details through this app.

Storm Warnings

If the weather forecast is indicating storms or we have heavy rain at 3.00pm, your child will be kept in class until your arrival at the classroom. Please do not panic when collecting your child as this can distress other students.

Mobile Phones Away for the Day 2025

Student Use of Mobile Devices

If students choose to bring their phone to school, they must switch it off and hand in at the office for safe keeping during school hours.  Phones should not be left in school-bags.

Smartwatches and other devices can be worn; however, notifications must be switched off.

This includes during lessons and break times, as well as during other school activities. 

Students not complying with this policy will be referred to school leadership and parents contacted.

Why is This Happening?

This approach is being implemented in all Queensland state schools to:

• Reduce distractions in the classroom
• Increase face-to-face interactions between students
• Promote student health and wellbeing
• Reduce the potential for student exposure to negative impacts of the digital world, such as cyberbullying

More Information

Guidelines and supporting documents have been developed in consultation with school leaders and key stakeholders.

Scan the QR code to visit the phones away for the day online hub, for parent/carer and student resources.

School Parking Programme

Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) Local Laws Unit undertakes a School Parking Patrol Program where officers complete scheduled school patrols, both in the morning and afternoon, to ensure that vehicles are parked in a safe and lawful manner. The primary aim of the program is to ensure that students and family members/caregivers are able to safely move around the school area as part of dropping off or picking up students from the school.

The Moreton Bay Regional Council Local Law No.5 (Parking) 2011 and Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 control parking or stopping of vehicles on footpaths, bicycle paths, marked yellow lines, shared paths, dividing strips and nature strips, along with vehicles parking across resident’s driveways and within ‘No Stopping’, ‘No Parking’, and ‘Bus Zones’ and Pick-up / Drop -off zones. Council is legally required to enforce these areas and the School Parking Patrol Program forms part of this process. Drivers are reminded that footpaths and nature strips are in place to promote pedestrian movement in a safe manner along roadsides and that drivers and residents must not stop on a bicycle path, shared path, dividing strip or nature strip. Please also note that vehicles that are parked with two wheels up and two wheels down is not considered as a lawful parking practice.

Local Laws officers conduct enforcement through the issuance of Penalty Infringement Notices as part of each School Parking Patrol. Please be aware that Council officers may take photographic evidence of vehicles stopping or parking illegally with Penalty Infringement Notices to be issued via mail at a later date to the offending vehicle’s owner.

Visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/parking for further guidance on parking restrictions.

For any further information, members of the School community are welcome to contact Moreton Bay Regional Council on 3205 0555.

Kurwongbah Kids Playgroup

Inclusion News

Maintaining Routine During the Easter Holidays

As we approach the two-week Easter break, it’s a great time for families to relax and recharge. However, for many children, especially those with additional needs, maintaining some elements of routine can help ease the transition from school to home and ensure a smooth return to school after the holidays.

Here are a few simple tips to help families maintain routine and provide structure during the holiday period:

1. Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule

While it’s tempting to let bedtimes slip during the holidays, maintaining a consistent sleep routine is crucial for children's well-being. A regular bedtime and wake-up time help ensure that children get the rest they need, which can improve mood, behaviour, and focus when they return to school.

2. Use Visual Schedules or Timetables

For children who benefit from visual aids, a holiday schedule can help them understand what to expect each day. You can create a simple timetable or chart outlining activities such as meals, outdoor playtime, and family outings. This visual structure can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety by making the day more predictable.

3. Incorporate Calm and Quiet Time

While holidays are often filled with excitement and busy activities, it’s important to schedule quiet, calm times during the day. This might be a good opportunity to engage in quiet reading, drawing, or sensory activities. It helps children wind down and provides a break from the excitement, ensuring they can manage overstimulation.

4. Involve Children in Planning

Empower your child by involving them in planning holiday activities. Ask them for suggestions and let them have a say in some of the activities, whether it’s deciding when to go to the park or choosing a family movie. This gives them a sense of control and can make the holidays feel more structured and enjoyable.

5. Balance Free Time and Activities

Holidays are about having fun, but a balance between free time and planned activities can keep children engaged without feeling overwhelmed. You might want to include some regular daily activities like a morning walk or creative play, while also allowing plenty of downtime for them to recharge.

6. Prepare for the Return to School

As the end of the holiday approaches, begin to talk with your child about the return to school. You might like to review school routines, prepare school items in advance, and reintroduce early bedtimes. This will help make the transition back to school easier and less stressful.

While holidays are a time for rest, maintaining a sense of routine can provide children with the structure they need, making the break both enjoyable and supportive of their individual needs. We wish all our families a wonderful, restful Easter break.

Beth Kent
Acting Head of Special Education Services

STEM & Enrichment Education News

Makerspace Lunchtime Timetable

Design Technology Reminder

Year 5 students are creating a service for an edible plant as part of their Design Technology unit and assessment. Students will need to bring in a container or repurpose an item that they would like to plant their plant into for the assessment. Items can be brought to the Makerspace for collection. Milk containers, tubs, tins and plastic bottles are just a few ideas for this project.

Coding and Robotics

Students from Years 4 – 6 have been busy preparing their robots for the SUMO robot challenges next term. They are using block-based coding and building their Spike Lego robot to push an opponent out to win the match. Come and join in the fun at the Makerspace and build your own to test your skills!

Create a Makerspace in the Home – Holiday Fun!

Makerspaces inspire creativity, problem solving, collaboration and critical thinking. Creating a simple version of a Makerspace at home is easy with some basic items you might already have.

Here are just some ideas to start the process – provide building sets like Lego, Duplo or K’Nex, play dough, boxes, cartons, paper towel rolls and any other craft items, a variety of paper types, fabrics, threads and ribbons, timber dowels, straws, alfoil, felt pens, tape, scissors and crayons. Add in technology like a tablet or iPad, robotics or a Makey, Makey and students can make their own movies, commercials or gadgets.

School Holiday STEM Programs

SparkLab – Science Centre – https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/kurilpa/whats-on/sparklab
Queensland Museum – https://www.qm.qld.gov.au/

Book Club News

How Book Club Helps Your Child’s School

Every time you place a Scholastic order, your School is being rewarded!  For example, for every Book Club order you place, Scholastic receives 20% of your total order spend to your school as Scholastic Rewards.  This allows the school to purchase books and resources for your child’s classroom and the library, helping students reach their highest potential.

How To Order

The Book Club LOOP platform for parents allows you to pay by credit card.  Your child’s order is submitted directly to school and the books will be delivered to your child’s class.  You can place your child’s order at http://scholastic.com.au/LOOP or using the LOOP app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

Cash orders can be handed into the library.  Simply fill out the order form on the back of the catalogue, place the form and the exact cash amount into an envelope or clip seal bag and drop off to the LIBRARY ONLY!

Julie Collins
Book Club Coordinator 

Tuckshop News

Hello Kurwongbah,

My name is Courtney, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Tuckshop Manager. I’m looking forward to bringing some fresh ideas to the menu and creating a welcoming, friendly space for students and staff alike.

We’re thrilled to share that the Tuckshop will be introducing new menu items — keep an eye out for some tasty additions coming soon!

We’re also on the lookout for volunteers to help keep everything running smoothly. Whether you can spare a full shift or just an hour, we’d love to have you on board. It’s a fun, rewarding way to support our school community, meet new people, and maybe even sneak a snack or two!

Have ideas for the menu or Tuckshop improvements? We’d love to hear them! For volunteering or suggestions, please contact us at tuckshop@ksspca.qld.edu.au.

Looking forward to meeting you all and seeing some new faces around the tuckshop soon!

Ordering

The preferred method of ordering is online via the QKR app, as all details of in stock items are available.  We also accept over the phone orders and cash orders over the counter.

Cash

Tuckshop is once again accepting cash sales via the bag system and for over the counter items in break times.

Phone Orders

Parents can place a phone order, by phoning the tuckshop directly on 3481 4337 and paying by credit card.  Cut off for phone orders is 9:00am.

Online Ordering

Parents can order via the online QKR app.  Cut off for online ordering is 8:00am.  Please ensure you have your child’s correct class, so your child’s meal is prepared and ready in the correct collection place.

Allergies

We currently cater for many students with allergies.  If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact our team and we will be able to give you up to date information regarding our products.

Tuckshop Hours

Tuckshop Convenors 
3481 4337
tuckshop@ksspca.qld.edu.au

Uniform Shop

Uniform Fittings

If you need a uniform fitting, you do not need to arrange an appointment. Simply come to the Uniform Shop during opening times.

Qkr! Online orders are delivered to class during Uniform Shop hours.

School Backpacks

School backpacks are available for $50.  These backpacks are chiropractic approved and have a guarantee for the full time your child is at school. We have new stock arriving Monday 20^th February.

Second-hand Uniforms     

If you have uniforms that you no longer require, please bring them into the Uniform Shop. We urgently need all sizes.

You can either sell them through the shop or donate them.  If you can’t get into the Uniform Shop to drop off your second-hand uniforms you can leave them at the Office with Uniform Shop written on the bag. 

Ordering Through Uniform Shop    

Uniform Shop Hours

Thank you 
Michelle & Megan
3481 4338
uniformshop@ksspca.qld.edu.au 

Containers for Change

Community Notices

Pine Rivers State High School Open Day – 7^th May

Bray Park State High School Open Day – 7^th May

Axis Church – Good Friday Festival

Australian Air League – Strathpine Squadron

Redcliffe Hockey Club – Redsticks Program